The All-Star game is right at the doorstep. It is heartbreaking not to have the league’s chasm, Caitlin Clark, who will be sidelined due to a groin injury. It would have been an epic scenario with CC playing in front of her home crowd in Indiana. But there is no lack of superstar power in the W.
On July 19, Team Clark will face off against Team Collier in the WNBA All-Star Game. It promises to be a star-studded meeting, filled with many fun moments.
If you have followed these athletes during the All-Star weekend, you know they are cooking something special. But who knows when they get serious! Here is a look at my total, spread, and player props predictions.
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana
Time: 08:30 PM (ET)
Broadcast: WNBA League Pass (Except blackouts), ABC, and ESPN
Team Clark
Team Clark went through a huge change as their captain, Caitlin Clark, was sidelined. Brittney Sykes will serve as the like-for-like replacement. Meanwhile, Brionna Jones will replace Satou Sabally. It means the team has lost its shooting depth.
On the other hand, it has improved rebounding and finishing. Kelsey Mitchell will likely start in place of CC. Overall, this team has the one-two punch of Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson to establish a strong inside and outside game.
The bench has tough-as-nails players like Gabby Williams and Kiki Iriafen. Sonia Citron, Jackie Young, and Kayla Thornton add to the shooting depth.
Probable Starting Lineup
PG: Sabrina Ionescu, SG: Kelsey Mitchell, SF: Gabby Williams, PF: A’ja Wilson, C: Aliyah Boston
Reserves: SG: Sonia Citron, PF: Kiki Iriafen, SG: Jackie Young, PF: Kayla Thornton, SG: Brittney Sykes, C: Brionna Jones.
Injuries: Caitlin Clark and Satou Sabally are OUT.
Team Collier
Team Collier looks more experienced and well-rounded than Team Clark. The backcourt of Allisha Gray and Paige Bueckers guarantees a steady flow of shooting. Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier are arguably among the top five post-players.
Off the bench, Skylar Diggins and Courtney Williams provide immense shot creation. Meanwhile, Angel Reese will pluck any rebound coming her way. Astonishingly, MVP Candidate Alyssa Thomas isn’t starting; she is the third-best player on the team.
Kayla McBride brings a shooting punch while Plum can do anything offensively. Team Collier undoubtedly looks stronger than Team Clark.
Starting Lineup
PG: Paige Bueckers, SG: Allisha Gray, SF/PF: Nneka Ogwumike, PF: Breanna Stewart, PF/C: Napheesa Collier
Reserves: SG: Kayla McBride, PG: Kelsey Plum, PG: Skylar Diggins:, PF: Angel Reese, SG: Courtney Williams, SF: Alyssa Thomas.
Injuries: Rhyne Howard is OUT.
We don’t know what kind of All-Star game this is going to be. Last season, the WNBA vs Team USA format was competitive because of the Olympics. Still, the total reached 226, which is way above the average WNBA game, where 190-200 is considered a high score.
Thus, the bookmakers have projected a total of over 250. I think the match will begin in a relaxed manner, but the intensity will pick up eventually. Thus, there can be an “Under” score here.
Total Under 258.5 for -115 at BetMGM
Here are my top three favorite player props for the event:
Team Collier looks like the favorites here, and even the bookmakers lean in that direction. But, hey, let us put on the brakes! It is an All-Star game, and those are usually more about celebrating the game than winning.
These W athletes are super competitive, but even they would need some to play for just fun. At any rate, I’d put a stake on Team Collier considering their loaded roster.
Team Clark vs Team Collier Spread/Money Line- Team Collier -5.5 for -105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas- Imagn Images
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